Thank you, Mr. Chair. We have many different situations with regard to Metis in the Northwest Territories. In the Gwich'in area and in the Sahtu, the Metis are part of the land claim agreement so they have the benefit from that side, as well.

In the Deh Cho, it remains to be determined how they will fit in with the Dehcho claim and eventually the same with the Akaitcho region, although the North Slave Metis are recognized in some ways on their own. South of the lake, the Member is right. We have a different arrangement with the NWT Metis. So, Mr. Chair, I agree with the Member in that we have to somehow rationalize how Metis are worked with in the Northwest Territories. Right now, it is a real mixed bag of ways of funding. I don't believe the Metis are getting any money from the federal government except where they are beneficiaries.

Mr. Chair, I hope that, over time, as we get more of the claims settled, we can rationalize our way of working with the Metis communities, locals and also with the NWT Metis Association and the North Slave group.

Mr. Chair, the only thing I can say now is that we have maintained the core funding. We do have some special occasion or special events money. I am going to provide for the regions money that has been dedicated directly to the Aboriginal Summit; we will give it to the regional organizations. They can decide how to allocate it if they want to the locals. There is also capacity money that we have in our government that we will also make available on a regional basis.

Mr. Chair, I know that is not the answer that the Member would like, but, at this point in time, that is the best that I think we can do until we see more evolution of our negotiations in the southern part of the Territories and working on how we work with those who are beneficiaries. Thank you, Mr. Chair.